Oh the Autumn Weddings! Kelsey and Matt, first of all, if you're Italian soda bar ran out of soda...you can probably blame me. Second, Go BYU! Third, We loved your wedding! So classy, so fun, SUCH GOOD FOOD!!!!, and just everything was so so nice. You guys are for sure kindred spirits and I feel all the feels when I watch your film!

Not a model? Guess what, neither are 99.9% of all brides. We are your film ambassadors. It's our job to worry about the details. For the most part, our one direction will be to "be happy" or "just be natural" but for all you brides who are wanting to prepare for the big day, here are some trade “secrets” and helpful tips to help you prepare for an amazing shoot...whether it be film or photo.

1. Stand up straight...this gives off a vibe of confidence. We definitely don't want you stalking around like a tin shoulder, but it never hurts to take a deep breath in, bring your shoulders back a bit and straighten up your neck. A lot of us naturally don't do this...good news, you feel good doing it. Keep it simple and don't be tense....just be mindful of your posture.

2. Keep it soft

-this is more for the eye candy poses we might ask you to do if there's time during the day. When posing with your significant other, you're going to want to avoid any "tenseness"...especially in the hands. Couples, Dallin and I included, are physical beings. When you hold hands, you feel love and excitement and manifest that, often, by squeezing the others hand or hugging tightly, or pulling someone close. This is great for everyday life, but when posing for an epic picture or beautiful sweeping shot, you may hear your photographer say something like "hold her hand softly," or gently touch his neck. We just want you to look relaxed, poised, and balanced. So, take a deep breath, relax, and just try to stay away from holding on to each other too tightly.

3. Don't be afraid to close your eyes

-throughout the day you will be doing a lot of smiling, so much in fact that when it comes time to smile sweetly at your one true love for just one more close up shot, you may feel a bit strained. Don't stress, Dallin and I are always asking our couples to take a moment, close their eyes and then open them. this moment of relaxation works. Your face and smile muscles will relax and appear as genuine as you feel. Think of it as a reset button....especially on those really sunny days! When you open them it's like a new beginning. You will not only feel but appear more relaxed, natural, and beautiful.

4. Be happy - Do whatever you can to achieve this! Weddings can be a stressful time. It's up to you, and us, to overcome that. It is our intent to not only capture the events of your big day, but also the one reason it's even happening...LOVE. So focus on that. Don't sweat the small stuff. Dallin and I will go above and beyond to help you. We've made bouquets for brides whose florist fell through, taken pictures when a photographer couldn't make it, we are here for you. Your wedding film is our top priority. Just remember throughout the day, when things might feel hectic, that this is your magical day! Take a deep breath, and be happy

5. Don’t Stress about your film

This is why you hired us! We know our craft and are 100% dedicated to creating a masterpiece for you. Remember, the best films are not “created” or “scripted.” The magic is in the moments and we are experts at seeing and capturing both the major moments and those special seconds that you hope to never forget. So just be yourself, enjoy the day, get excited for a film that will not disappoint, and trust us!

Diane and Albert were married this summer in the Logan, Utah Temple. These two definitely planned a party! When Dallin and I were first getting to know each other, I loved that we were able to just be ourselves. He loved everything I did and thought all my jokes were hilarious, and I felt the same about him. Watching Diane and Albert's film, you know they have that same special connection. I KNOW they will love being married! There will never be a dull moment with these two! Good luck guys! Never stop dancing!!

Kelsie and Stephen had the perfect day! They were sealed at the Manti Temple...the weather was perfect! Their reception started out classy and culminated with a dance party that truly "raised the roof!" Keep an eye out for the bridal party, they do not disappoint!

We had so much fun with these two! Jordan and Jordan invited us to film their reception and it could not have gone better. These two families exuded happiness and had some of the cutest kids we've seen. Congrats guys!

We did it! We made a human. George Dallin Seely was born at 1:51 am Friday Sept 16. We couldn’t be happier…sometimes sadder (I blame the hormones)... excited, scared, worried, relieved, obsessed, and in love. We are definitely feeling all the feelings.

Before having George, however….we were mostly just terrified. I, especially, had been told terrible stories about the whole “having a baby” thing. Absolutely I had a lot of time to research my impending labor, and I can say quite confidently that there were no parts of it that I was excited for. Countless articles listed the “10 things I didn’t know about having a baby.” The wording was bleak, and the general spirit of these articles was fairly pessimistic…and I ate it all up. So, I ended up trucking to the hospital expecting to be completely traumatized. Miracle of Miracles, after hours of pushing ended in a C-section, my only scar is about 6 inches long and fading fast. So, in the spirit of truth, Dallin and I wanted to throw some positivity out into the baby delivery world. Enjoy the pictures of our sweet George…and, if you’re expecting, hopefully our “8 things we didn’t know about having a baby” help you to have a bit more courage than me (we were going to do ten...but ran out of things to say :)

1. They let me in at 3 cm! I had read all over that you had to be at least 5 centimeters before you could be admitted. Once contractions started, I could not stop thinking about all the people, Michelle Duggar especially, bless their hearts and strong wills, who do this naturally. We arrived at the hospital and I was sure I would be close to a 5. Oh how my heart fell when I was told I was only 1 cm dilated. Luckily, I was told I could stay and get those precious drugs if I progressed. So, Dallin and I took to the halls for the next two hours. When I wasn't leaning against the wall dreaming about various forms of narcotics, I was jumping....AND IT worked. I was in! Pre-epidural drugs were administered, and so began my labor vacation!

2. And I thought getting to 10 cm would be hard and painful. It wasn't. Yes I had an epidural, but I still thought there would be some sort of discomfort...Nope. I happily, for the next day and a half, sipped sprite after sprite and watched Gilmore Girls. So, if you get an epidural, just be ready to chill in a bed and have wonderful nurses serve you chilled drinks.

Not super flattering, but, definitely not in pain :)

3. Fun fact, EPIDURALS DO NOT HURT. I guess I had watched TLC's "A Baby Story" way too much as a 12 year old, but it always seemed, during the show, that epidurals were about a negative fifty on the "fun scale." Oh how my opinion has changed. Getting my I.V. was a thousand times worse than the epidural. Basically, a medical demigod, often referred to as an anesthesiologist, comes in and pierces your spine or something. But here's the catch, all you feel is a few taps. I was hyperventilating, expecting a Braveheart-esque experience, and was oh-so-pleasantly surprised. All I can say is, "Mamas don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys..." push for anesthesiologist.

4. "Pushing" was a breeze!

At this point, all you "going it natural gals" are very likely rolling your eyes at me. But, let's get real, this article is geared more toward those out there not intending to experience the mysteries of birth. However, I was shocked that there was no pain...AGAIN! Yes, I was pumping my epidural button faster than someone taking down a gym on Pokemon Go, but, no lie, I was so far down the "no pain" road that I was falling asleep mid push. The nurse would start counting to ten and they would have to wake me up around 6. True, I hadn't slept for the last two nights, and the drugs might have been knocking me out, but I never expected to be falling asleep while pushing a baby out of my body.

5. C-Sections are not the worst...I fell asleep during that too. After about two hours of pushing, waiting, then pushing again, Dallin and I were told that the babies heart rate was dropping, I had a fever that wasn't going away, and that pushing was not working. A C-section was our only safe alternative at this point. So away we went. It was definitely a little scary, but, at this point, I was too sleepy to comprehend a ton of what was happening.

6. Everything I read online cited the post-birth experience as a bit horrific. Yes, it was a little shocking, but all the things that are happening to your body kinda make sense after everything is said and done. I felt like I would for sure be embarrassed or even ashamed of being exposed, but I just wasn't. I remember, after having George, the nurses wanted me to try to use the bathroom. Two nurses then helped me stand, and walked me into the bathroom, and sat with me while I tried to "relieve" myself. It was a bit surreal, and I even laughed and said to them, "Normally this would bother me, but for some reason, I just don't care." By day two in the hospital, I even started introducing myself to all the people coming in to check on me by saying, "Hi, I'm Ashley...normally I wear pants."

7. Hospitals are the best! I honestly cried a little when we got home...not because I was overwhelmed, but because I missed the hospital. It was so fun for me to just be with Dallin day in and day out. My nurses were all so nice, I still miss them. And the food...maybe I just lucked out, but the restaurant in our hospital offered choices and quantities akin to a cruise ship.

We have come to know the Allred family pretty well by now! This is our second wedding with these guys and we couldn't have been happier with how the whole event turned out. Dallin and I split duties this time. He filmed the whole event, while I took the pictures. If you happen to see a large, oblong shadow in any of the pics....no fear...that's just my 37 week pregnant self :) Pictures of that event are soon to come as well!

Mariah and Mcklane congratulations, we think everything turned out beautifully! Huntington is always a fun adventure for us (and the reason we just switched cell phone providers...we're hoping Verizon will give us a more reliable signal down south). Best of luck at SUU...that is where I fell in love with Dallin, so I couldn't think of a better place to start your lives together!

Dallin and I have been shooting weddings in Utah and abroad for a few years now together, and we've noticed some things that might come in handy for today's DIY bride (especially those planning a temple wedding followed by a reception). What works and what doesn't. Surprisingly, the things that set a great reception apart from one that might seem a little run-of-the mill...or "dated," are neither expensive nor extravagant. So, for all you blog followers out there, we thought we'd throw out some advice :)

1. Whether you're at a cultural hall, back yard, reception center, or ski resort, flowers are game changers! Ask any photographer, flowers are like the pixie dust of any reception. They add a level of romance and a feeling of freshness that will brighten and bring to life even the darkest of cultural halls. Flowers are a way for you and your groom to express your taste and personality. Dallin and I look back on our budget backyard wedding and are still shocked at what game changers our flowers were. Check out these pics and you can just imagine them without flowers. Yes, they would still be beautiful, but maybe not so breath taking.

2. If you have a cake cut it! If you cut a cake, serve it to your guests! The disappointment is real when there is a cake, you wait hours for said cake to be cut, and then nothing happens. People are afraid to ask for a piece, confusion is high, anticipation is hopeful, and then the bride and groom dance their final dance, sparklers are lit and everyone goes home. I know, as I drive home, I'm wondering to myself..."gee, I wonder if that cake tasted as heavenly delicious as it looked, and if the videographer is wondering that....for sure the guests are. Oh, and don't make the mistake Dallin and I made. Brides and grooms, make sure you get a piece, or have some saved for you or something. Dallin and I were completely bummed out when we realized we had only had one bite or our beautiful strawberry cake...see picture...I will forever wonder what my dream cake tasted like...

3. Have an M.C. Even if you're not at a fancy huge reception center, this is crucial. It is so sad to see weddings where the first dance happens and mom misses it because no one announced that it was happening. Or the cake is cut and people are still watching the slideshow. Obviously, if none of this is important to you, disregard everything I'm saying, but if you are planning on putting a lot of thought into your reception, and want those iconic moments...especially if you want them captured on video/photographed, find someone to announce what's going on. That way, the people over at the back table, waiting to witness your magical moments won't miss out. Also, having an audience is half the fun. If you don't have a d.j. don't stress, Dallin and I just used my dad :)

I couldn't find a picture of him talking in the mike, but here he is getting ready to announce something :)

4. A traditional "line" may not always be the way to go....

Just saying, it's no fun to stand in a receiving line as a bride, or as a guest. A lot of the brides that we're working with these days are opting out of the traditional "line" and instead mingling and enjoying themselves. Then, when it seems like all the guests have arrived, they will go from table to table, saying hi and thank you and taking pictures. One of our brides even used this time to pass out her reception gifts to everyone at the tables. GENIUS! This way, instead of everybody getting stuck in line, the guests are free to eat, mingle, sign your guest book, and just enjoy the party. More importantly, you and your husband will get to eat, dance, and enjoy all the fun treats and activities of your reception. Don't miss out!

5. This is a big one if you're planning on hiring a videographer. SPEECHES. I know they can be daunting, but they can add so much meaning to the day. If you do choose to have a few speeches given: 1. Tell your videographer. They will want to prepare their audio equipment. 2. Whether you are giving one, or have asked others to, make sure they are not spur of the moment speeches. Weddings are emotional times, those giving speeches/toasts, will have beautiful memories to share and words of encouragement to give. Not that we want your speakers to sound scripted...it just seems that people are able to express themselves so much more eloquently when they have taken the time to thoughtfully prepare for this moment.

Sumner + Marissa have been destined to marry for years! Dallin and I called it even before they started dating. They're 100% our couple crush....if you ever meet them ask them to bust a move....they have mad skills! Congrats guys! San Diego was magical :)

We met Mariah at her future sister-in-law's wedding. At the time, her now fiancee was on a mission. One year later they're engaged and madly in love. Beautiful bridals, in my opinion, only lead to a more beautiful wedding! We can't wait til next week!

Gordon and Taylor are married and off to conquer the world! Their wedding day somehow combined wind, rain, and snow to create one of the more beautiful Salt Lake temple experiences we have ever had. Enjoy and share, these two are going to change the world!

We only knew them for a day...but it was a wonderful day! The day before their wedding, we got a call from Damon's ring designer (one of Dallin's good friends). We heard Damon and Kyla's story, of how their photographer basically left them at the alter, and we had to help them out. Lucky for us we did! Damon and Kyla had one of the most beautifully simple backyard weddings we had ever seen. The love was REAL! It is sometimes hard photographing weddings...we're...well I'm always saying, "Why didn't I do that!!!" Our wedding was beautiful, and wonderful, and magic, but I could not love the sunflower bouquets more. And the food...oh the food. I honest to goodness had the best lemon bars ever! Whoever's reading this, if I ever meet you at a wedding, please, please know that if I, per chance, eat all your food, it is a great compliment. I enter every wedding with the goal of making healthy, classy choices...and I can usually stay strong...but if I don't, just know that it is, truly, a complimentary reflection of your food. In summary, sunflowers, lemon bars, and sunshine perfectly complimented the union of two beautiful, kind, adventurous people!

Brett and Dallin go way back. I remember when Dallin and I first started dating, Brett was his room mate. He would come home and we would give him our "expert" dating advice :) It must have worked because he found his person. Brett and Ella, first of all, if you're still wondering who ate all your chocolate strawberries...it was me :) Secondly, congratulations. It was such a fun experience to photograph some of our best friends. If you read this before we call you, we want to go to dinner real bad with you!

Every so often we have the opportunity to photograph families. Dacia and Devon have a good one :) It doesn't hurt that they're "kin" to me! I think we had a few magical moments. I'm tempted to frame the lake picture in my own house. Also, if you look really close in the first photo, you'll see a herd of deer...love the wildlife encounters!

We first met Jeremiah and Dinia during their flash mob proposal. Dallin and I filmed the whole event! Coming to their wedding was such a fun reunion. The Brazilian BBQ was excellent and their families definitely "made it rain" on the dance floor. Congratulations friends, best of luck down in Price!

They're back! We love Natasha and Derek! First of all, they're beautiful and so fun! Second, Natasha wore my dream dress that I couldn't find! Third, Derek wants to be a farmer....before I changed my life fantasy to "marry a photographer/drummer/snowboarder...about a year and a half ago (heheh) my definite chief aim in life was to marry and be a farmer and then become his co-farmer. I am essentially the pioneer woman in reverse :) Anyways, their wonderful, we loved working with them this summer! Thanks for taking us horseback riding guys! We had a blast!

As published puppy lovers, we were obviously thrilled to collaborate with Melinda and Jake and their choclate lab puppy for some woodsy..romantic engagement photos. Fun fact, they weren't even officially engaged yet! Luna was present for the picture taking :)